Wadakkanchery vote bribery case: CPI(M) will sabotage Vigilance probe, alleges DCC president

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] will undermine the Vigilance inquiry into the alleged bribery that led to the LDF capturing the Wadakkanchery block panchayat presidency, Thrissur District Congress Committee (DCC) president Joseph Tajet alleged on Saturday.

Addressing the media, Mr. Tajet said the Vigilance was deliberately refusing to register a formal case despite a complaint being filed over the ‘purchase of votes through bribe offer.’ “The attempt is to create an impression that an inquiry has been conducted, without registering a case, only to ensure that the CPI(M)’s role does not come to light,” he charged.

Referring to the alleged audio clips linked to the controversy, Mr. Tajet said the explanations offered by those involved were untenable. “Jaffer (the Independent candidate who cross-voted) claims that the statements heard in the audio clip were made jokingly to a friend. But another audio has surfaced in which CPI(M) area committee member Babu is heard assuring protection. Was that also a joke?” he asked, demanding a clear response from the CPI(M) leadership.

“These audio clips are not casual conversations. They are evidence that substantiates the bribery allegations,” Mr. Tajet said, adding that the developments clearly pointed to a systematic effort to subvert democratic processes.

Resignation sought

He insisted that the investigation should be conducted under court supervision to prevent any “deviant or illegal interference” in the probe. “The block panchayat president’s post was secured by undermining democracy. The person holding that position must resign immediately,” he said.

Warning of further action, Mr. Tajet said the Congress would pursue additional legal remedies if the Vigilance inquiry failed to proceed in a fair and transparent manner. He also alleged that the CPI(M) State leadership’s response to the controversy revealed prior planning.

On Govindan’s reaction

“The very fact that CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan reacted so swiftly is part of a calculated strategy. Has there ever been an instance in CPI(M)’s history where the State secretary spoke this quickly on an issue originating at the grassroots?” he asked.

According to Mr. Tajet, Mr. Govindan’s initial statement itself served as a signal to the district leadership. “District secretary K.V. Abdul Khader’s response followed Mr. Govindan’s line word for word, without deviating even slightly. That itself exposes the coordination behind the scenes,” he said.